Tire Size Reference GuideNominal Tire Geometry

265/70R17 Tire Size

A 265/70R17 tire has a nominal calculated diameter of approximately 31.61 inches (802.8 mm), a nominal section width of about 10.43 inches (265 mm), and a sidewall height of about 7.30 inches (185.5 mm).

Overall Diameter31.61"802.8 mm
Section Width10.43"265 mm
Sidewall Height7.30"185.5 mm (70%)
Revs Per Mile638396 revs/km
NOMINAL GEOMETRIC DIMENSIONS265/70R17Wheel: 17" (431.8 mm)SIDE PROFILE VIEWOVERALL DIAMETER31.61" (802.8 mm)SIDEWALL HEIGHT (70%)7.30" (185.5 mm)NOMINAL SECTION WIDTH265 mm (10.43")NOMINAL SECTION PROFILEDynamic SVG geometry displaying nominal calculated proportions • Not measured physical manufacturer dimensions
Figure 1: Geometric proportion and dimensional model for a nominal 265/70R17 tire specification.

265/70R17 in Inches

When converted to US customary units, a nominal 265/70R17 tire measures approximately 31.61 inches in overall height with a section width of 10.43 inches mounted on a 17-inch wheel.

Nominal Tire Height (Diameter):31.61 in
Nominal Section Width:10.43 in
Sidewall Height:7.30 in
Wheel (Rim) Diameter:17 in
Nominal Rolling Circumference:99.29 in
Approximate Dimensional Profile:~31.6" × 10.4" R17

Note: The dimension 31.6" × 10.4" R17 is an approximate nominal descriptive conversion, not a physical flotation catalog tire designation.

265/70R17 Dimensions Table

The table below summarizes all derived nominal geometric parameters for the 265/70R17 size in both US customary and metric units.

Measurement ParameterInches (US)Millimeters (Metric)
Nominal Section Width10.43 in265 mm
Sidewall Height (70%)7.30 in185.5 mm
Wheel (Rim) Diameter17.00 in431.8 mm
Nominal Overall Diameter (Height)31.61 in802.8 mm
Nominal Radius15.80 in401.4 mm
Nominal Circumference99.29 in2522.1 mm
Theoretical Revolutions638 revs/mile396 revs/km

What Does 265/70R17 Mean?

The markings on the sidewall of a 265/70R17 tire represent standard ISO metric dimensions:

265
Nominal Section Width

The 265 indicates a nominal section width of 265 millimeters (approximately 10.43 inches).

70
Aspect Ratio (Profile)

The sidewall height is 70% of the nominal section width, measuring 185.5 mm (7.30 inches).

R
Radial Construction

R indicates radial construction, where the main carcass cords run approximately radially from bead to bead.

17
Wheel Diameter

Designed to fit a wheel (rim) with a diameter of 17 inches (431.8 mm).

For a detailed guide to service descriptions, load indexes, and speed ratings, read our comprehensive reference: How to Read Tire Size Markings.

265/70R17 Dimensional Context & Proportions

265/70R17 has a nominal calculated diameter of 31.61 inches, placing it about 0.39 inches below a nominal 32-inch diameter.

Its 70-series aspect ratio means the nominal sidewall height is 70% of the 265 mm section width, giving a calculated sidewall height of 185.5 mm (7.30 in).

The 265 in 265/70R17 represents a nominal section width of 265 mm, which converts to approximately 10.43 inches.

Interactive Comparison

Compare 265/70R17 With Another Tire Size

Baseline: 265/70R17
Diameter Delta+1.10"(+3.5%)
Width Delta+0.79"(+20 mm)
Sidewall Delta+0.55"(+14.0 mm)
Speed at 60 MPH62.1 mph+3.5% error
Notice: This size difference exceeds ±3.0% diameter variance (+3.5%). Verify speedometer calibration, clearance, and gearing before selecting.

Nearby 17-Inch Tire Sizes by Nominal Diameter

The table below lists alternative standard tire sizes mounted on 17-inch wheels that fall within a ±3.0% nominal diameter window relative to 265/70R17.

Nearby SizeDiameterDiameter DeltaWidth DeltaSidewall Delta
265/70R17Current31.61"Baseline (0.0%)10.43"7.30"
235/75R1730.88"-0.73" (-2.3%)-1.18"-0.36"
255/70R1731.06"-0.55" (-1.7%)-0.39"-0.28"
275/65R1731.07"-0.53" (-1.7%)+0.39"-0.27"
245/75R1731.47"-0.14" (-0.4%)-0.79"-0.07"
235/80R1731.80"+0.20" (+0.6%)-1.18"+0.10"
255/75R1732.06"+0.45" (+1.4%)-0.39"+0.23"
275/70R1732.16"+0.55" (+1.7%)+0.39"+0.28"
Discovery Window Notice:

±3.0% is used only as a configurable discovery window for identifying dimensionally nearby sizes. It is not a safety limit, compatibility threshold, replacement recommendation, or vehicle-fitment approval.

Nominal vs Actual Tire Dimensions

The dimensions listed on this reference page are nominal calculated figures derived from standard tire-size geometry. Tire-industry standards and manufacturer specifications are referenced where relevant.

Actual mounted dimensions can vary by tire manufacturer and model, tread design, measuring rim width, production tolerances, tread wear, and test or operating conditions. Consult the tire manufacturer’s published specifications when measured dimensions are required.

Technical Boundaries & Fitment Verification

Changing tire specifications may require separate load-capacity and cold inflation pressure verification. Dimensional size alone does not determine vehicle load class, speed rating, or approved wheel-width ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions About 265/70R17 Tires

How tall is a 265/70R17 tire?

A nominal 265/70R17 tire has an overall calculated diameter (height) of 31.61 inches (802.8 mm). Physical mounted height can vary slightly between tire manufacturers, tread depths, and inflation pressures.

How wide is a 265/70R17 tire in inches?

A 265/70R17 tire has a nominal section width of 265 mm, which converts to approximately 10.43 inches. Actual mounted cross-section width can vary depending on wheel rim width, tire model, and manufacturing tolerances.

Is 265/70R17 considered a 32-inch tire?

In casual automotive reference sizing, a 265/70R17 tire (nominal diameter of 31.61 inches) is generally grouped within the "32-inch" nominal diameter category.

What is the sidewall height of a 265/70R17 tire?

The sidewall height of a 265/70R17 tire is 7.30 inches (185.5 mm). This is calculated by taking 70% of the 265 mm section width.

How many revolutions per mile does a 265/70R17 tire make?

A nominal 265/70R17 tire makes approximately 638 revolutions per mile (396 revolutions per kilometer).

Published by TireCalculator.net
Last reviewed: September 2026

Content is based on cited tire-industry standards, manufacturer documentation, and technical references where relevant.